David McGill of Braid raised an early morning cheer for the Edinburgh support as the world stage legend of the 1970s stormed to a 21-6 win in 15 ends over Seniors Singles opponent Sandy Horn of Mount Vernon in the opening days play in the Bowls Scotland national championships at Ayr Northfield.
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And the Edinburgh challenge remains double fisted with the talented Brian Higgins of Maitland emerging the 21-19 winner of a melting pot climax from 12-18 down against Billy Anderson of Coylton. East Lothians Bill Dunleavey experienced a nail biting route into the second round with the Aberlady star fighting back from 11-0 down to peels at 14-14 then escaping from jail at 20-19 down to hit 21 with a 1, 1 finish against John Breen of Greenfaulds.
Midlothian challenger Dougie Taylor of West Linton got off to a flyer to lead 13-2 then made comfortable 21-12 progress at the expense of Stuart McLean (Old Kilpatrick) but a later session brought a disappointing 21-13 exit for Richard Mark of Uphall Station.
Play in the gents junior singles saw Liam McKay of Tanfield in good form to beat Peter Kirk of Alloa East End, 21-8 and Stephen Pringle of Carrick Knowe made it an Edinburgh double with a 21-11 win over Jack Porteous of West Kilbride.
Paul Innes of Polton slipped from 16-15 to a 21-19 defeat from Stephen Lowrie of Anchor while Darren Pearce (Kirkliston) went down 21-4 to highly rated John Fleming of Port Glasgow.
East Lothian sub Keiran Dodds for Hibs signing Shaun Mackie produced a 2, 1 finish to beat Jordan Baptie of Glencares, 21-19.
The defeat of defending champion Angela Uttley of Glenmavis (Bathgate) in the Seniors Singles was a first day shock for West Lothian with the four times champion of The Edinburgh Open leading 20-14 but piped at the post in a 21-20 thriller by Audrey Cameron of Kelvindale.
Mixed fortune for Edinburgh saw Betty Eaton of Beechwood receive a walkover but Helen Spence of Brunstane make a 21-16 exit to 2013 champion Isobel Laing of Elgin. Janet Fairnie of East Lothian and Castlepark scored a fine 21-6 win over Janice Grant of Kirkintilloch however Margaret Gowrie of Dalkeith lost 21-16 to Liz Rennie of Balhousie.
Hillside carried the Edinburgh banner forward in the Mixed Pairs with Violet Winton and Colin Bell including a super six in their 18-14 win over Highland (Inverness) however 2014 champions Mary Price and John McDermott of Sighthill were crushed 18-6 by Bainsford.
Bainfield (22-6) and Newcraighall (17-6) progressed in the Gents Seniors fours also Dunbar (17-50, Kinneil (16-15), Polton (19-8), and Helen Girdler of Balerno (13-10) in the ladies Seniors Fours.